Mission and Tradition

David C. Matz

Professor

Dave Matz, Ph.D., is a social psychologist with interests in groups and group decision making, cognitive dissonance, evolutionary psychology and mate selection, and the relationship between religion and prejudice. He is the author of numerous articles on these topics and serves as a reviewer for several scientific journals. Dave recently established an eye-tracking lab at Augsburg and is currently using that technology to study the relationship between physical features, attention, and the perceptions of desirable characteristics in potential mates.

As an instructor, Dave is intentional about conveying his enthusiasm for psychology. He understands that when an instructor is excited about the material, students are more likely to take an interest and put forth the effort needed to learn. He makes a point of getting to know students early on so that he can understand their strengths and weaknesses as well as their aspirations. This enables him to provide extra support to those who need it and extra challenges for those who excel.

Dave describes the Psychology Department at Augsburg as “a warm, vibrant community of students and faculty.” He notes that the department places an emphasis on the science of psychology allowing students to develop critical thinking skills that will aid them in the eventual career and allow them to be life-long learners.

Recent presentations

Lea, R. B., & Matz, D. C. (2015). Disseminating science at a science museum. To be presented at the 2015 National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, FL.

Matz, D. C., & Lea, R. B. (2014). Developing collaborative teaching and research laboratories at undergraduate institutions. Presented at the 2014 National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, FL.

Lea, R. B., & Matz, D. C. (2013). Eyes on the prize: Using new laboratory equipment to develop undergraduate curriculum. Presented at the 2013 National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, FL.

Manning, H. B., Matz, D. C., & Rebman, P. (2013). The influence of a target’s hair length and color on attentional focus. Presented at the 2013 meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, New Orleans, LA.